Mumbai: Cinema exhibitor Cinépolis and RealD 3D announced that Cinépolis will add 500 RealD 3D screens to its circuit.

The rollout of these 500 RealD 3D screens have already begun with six new screens installed for the release of Journey to the Center of the Earth, and will continue through 2010. The partnership makes RealD the exclusive choice of Cinépolis for digital 3D and creates a strong platform in the market for the upcoming slate of over thirty major studio 3D releases in 2009 and 2010.

"We are in the midst of a defining moment in movie going history," said DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg. "This massive expansion of screens into the critical markets of Central and South America is a giant leap forward for Cinépolis, RealD and all content creators who are committed to the worldwide deployment of digital 3D."

"We are thrilled with the support and commitment Cinepolis has made towards 3D entertainment and RealD," said Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International president Anthony Marcoly. "We look forward to bringing our next Disney Digital 3D animated release, BOLT, to their cinemas this Christmas season as well as many others during the coming years."

"Cinépolis confirms its commitment to innovation and client service by placing its confidence on 3D technology. We believe this cutting-edge technology represents the future of the exhibition business and with this deal, Cinépolis moves ahead in the very competitive Latin American market," said Cinépolis COO Miguel Mier.

"We are thrilled to be the choice of Cinépolis for premium digital 3D," said RealD chairman and CEO Michael Lewis. "This partnership marks an expansion of the RealD 3D platform into one of the world’s strongest movie markets, as 3D continues to be a truly international phenomenon."